Shane moved to Pulaski in 1990 after being drawn to the incredible fishing opportunities surrounding the Salmon River and eastern Lake Ontario. With a passion for the fishery and a desire to share it with others, he earned his guide and captain’s licenses and began running trips throughout the region.
Over the years, that same passion was passed down to his son David, who grew up fishing alongside him on both the river and the lake. Once old enough, David earned his own guide and captain’s licenses and now fishes side-by-side with his father year-round.
Together, Shane and David focus on creating safe, educational, and productive days on the water while targeting a wide variety of species throughout the seasons. Depending on the time of year, trips may focus on Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and occasionally Atlantic Salmon.
During the summer months, they primarily fish Lake Ontario, trolling the eastern basin with techniques like downriggers, Dipsy Divers, copper lines, and lead core setups while targeting salmon and trout feeding on...
About Your Guide
Shane & David Thomas
Independent Guide
Shane moved to Pulaski in 1990 after being drawn to the incredible fishing opportunities surrounding the Salmon River and eastern Lake Ontario. With a passion for the fishery and a desire to share it with others, he earned his guide and captain’s licenses and began running trips throughout the region.
Over the years, that same passion was passed down to his son David, who grew up fishing alongside him on both the river and the lake. Once old enough, David earned his own guide and captain’s licenses and now fishes side-by-side with his father year-round.
Together, Shane and David focus on creating safe, educational, and productive days on the water while targeting a wide variety of species throughout the seasons. Depending on the time of year, trips may focus on Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and occasionally Atlantic Salmon.
During the summer months, they primarily fish Lake Ontario, trolling the eastern basin with techniques like downriggers, Dipsy Divers, copper lines, and lead core setups while targeting salmon and trout feeding on Alewives. In the fall, attention shifts to the river systems as King and Coho Salmon stage and migrate upstream, with drift boat trips allowing access to productive stretches of water and less pressured fish.
As temperatures cool, steelhead become the focus through fall, winter, and spring. Trips continue even through harsh winter conditions, with heated drift boats helping anglers stay comfortable while targeting fish using float fishing techniques, beads, jigs, egg sacs, and plugs.
With decades of combined experience on these waters, Shane and David bring a deep understanding of the seasonal patterns, techniques, and fisheries that make the Salmon River region one of the premier freshwater fishing destinations in the Northeast.
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